[Report] Beijing Grows Bleak Amid New Coronavirus Spread... Dramatically Changed Chunjie Atmosphere

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] "If residents who have recently visited Wuhan or Hubei region develop a fever or abnormal respiratory symptoms, please visit a hospital immediately and contact your local management office."

During the Chunjie (Lunar New Year holiday) period, such notices can be easily seen in densely populated residential areas across China, where the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) is spreading. On the morning of the 27th, near Jingshan Street in downtown Beijing, pink notices warning about the novel coronavirus were posted next to front doors decorated with large calligraphy of the character 'bok' (fortune) and phrases wishing for peace to welcome the new year. Stores such as supermarkets and restaurants were locked, and only one or two residents wearing masks occasionally passed through the alleys, moving quickly.

Having experienced the impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003, Beijing citizens are on high alert and refraining from going out amid the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus. The Chang’an Avenue, which usually runs congested through the city center to Tiananmen, was unusually empty during this Chunjie due to the effects of the novel coronavirus, with so few cars passing that they could be counted.

Even Wangfujing, a shopping district usually packed with tourists during Chunjie, was nearly deserted except for a few tourists wearing masks. Most shops were closed. Some stores and department stores that remained open displayed signs stating "Disinfection completed." A taxi driver met in the city said, "Beijing residents are more alert than during SARS," adding, "Although the fatality rate is lower than SARS, unlike SARS, transmission is possible during the incubation period (up to two weeks), so everyone is on edge. The rapidly increasing number of confirmed cases in the news is driving people into fear."

At every open supermarket, the mask display stands became the most crowded spots. In the supermarket inside the large Beijing SKP department store, people wearing masks gathered to stock up on extra masks, and popular masks known for their effectiveness were already sold out, leaving empty shelves. Chinese people, unable to obtain their preferred masks either online or offline within China, are so desperate to secure masks that they resort to asking foreign acquaintances to purchase them on their behalf.

The subway in Beijing was also mostly empty, with only a few passengers wearing masks. It was rare to find someone without a mask, and those without masks often covered their mouths with clothing or scarves due to the tense atmosphere and the watchful eyes of other passengers. Hotels had staff at entrances checking the temperature of each guest before allowing them inside.

Beijing Shoudu Airport appeared quiet despite the Chunjie period. Most people who completed departure procedures avoided contact with others and spaces such as duty-free shops, heading straight to the boarding gates. All passengers underwent temperature checks, and most wore masks while moving after boarding the aircraft.

Schools, which must manage children with weaker immune systems, are on high alert. An elementary school in Chaoyang District, Beijing, has been receiving daily health status reports from all parents since the government designated the novel coronavirus as a legally notifiable infectious disease on the 21st. Among parents, group purchases of hand sanitizers and masks have become the hottest topics of information exchange.

Chinese media, which had previously been cautious about fueling panic, changed their tone completely as the number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases surged during Chunjie.

On the 28th, the Communist Party’s official newspaper, the People’s Daily, filled its front pages with news related to the novel coronavirus. The front page, which a week ago had editorials warning against inciting fear and was filled with news about the national leadership’s activities, was now dominated by coverage of the epidemic. The top news on the front page featured both of the country’s top leaders inspecting the situation of the novel coronavirus.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, in an important directive the previous day, stated, "Party organizations and Party members at all levels must unite to lead the people and implement the policies of the Party Central Committee," adding, "We must rely on the people to win the war against the epidemic." A photo was also published showing Premier Li Keqiang, wearing a blue disinfected gown and mask, visiting Wuhan?the outbreak’s epicenter?inspecting response measures inside a hospital and encouraging medical staff and patients. Reports supporting the Wuhan region and emphasizing the government and medical institutions’ full efforts to contain the virus filled the pages.